Google’s VR Art App Tilt brush is not free, but the company made it open source a few days ago after announcing that active development was halted, so it was only a matter of time before independent developers came under the hood to create their own Tilt brushderivative programs. Now you can play with the first batch on PC VR and Oculus Quest.
Open brush – PC VR
Developer Icosa Gallery has its own fork of the Tilt brush software, christened Open Brush. Although there are currently some features missing, especially the ability to use the eraser, Open Brush already enables some of the hidden brushes that Google never released before the project was set up.
You can download the experimental version of Open Brush available for free at Itch.io, and now paints through SteamVR-compatible headers.
Icosa Gallery says there is also a Quest version in the works, but it is not ready yet.
SideSketch – Search
If you own an Oculus Quest or Quest 2, you can also get the latest third-clone from developer Shane Harris, named SideSketch.
For now, it appears to be a direct clone without any additional features, though for free. As Open Brush on computer, SideSketch the eraser function is missing.
To get SideSketch, you need to set up SideQuest on your Quest headset, the unofficial app store for all things Quest does. Read our simple guide on how (and why) use SideQuest to get started SideSketch and an abundance of free and paid programs.
Tilt brush for WebXR
The great thing about WebXR is that you only need a URL, a compatible web browser and a PC VR or Quest headset to play and connect in virtual spaces.
WebXR applications are especially smaller than applications that need to be downloaded and installed directly, and look like a WebXR Tilt brush derived from developer Douglas Adams of msub2, called Syborsel, still breeding as a result.
First drawing with the WebXR port of Tilt Brush, from here known as Silk Brush! #TiltBrush # SilkBrush #WebXR pic.twitter.com/Px3ZZIrj9z
– m₂ (@ msub2official) 29 January 2021
At the moment, Adams says it’s still only able to make basic drawing, as he’s still integrating the wand’s full set of features – not an easy task, as it should be light enough to fit in. be able to operate the browser.
See Tilt brush however, as a potential WebXR application, it is very exciting. Not only will users be able to quickly step in and create things, but the hypothetical addition of multiplayer can make it a great place to quickly connect with others for everything from product ideas to collaborative art. Adams has not yet mentioned it, although it was buried in the code by Google as a ‘task’ before stopping active development.
However, if you now want to paint via WebXR, check out Mozilla’s A-signs as a great alternative.
Do you know of any programs that use Tilt Brush code? Let us know in the comments below!